Conservation of Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s conservation park. It receives 2.7 million visits per year. The Park is rich in biodiversity, has a wide range of protected habitats and ecosystems, and is home to various species at risk. As steward of the Park, the NCC’s role is to conserve and protect these natural treasures in order that future generations may continue to appreciate and enjoy them.

The land and waters of Gatineau Park

The Park is part of the Canadian Shield, a Precambrian rock mass that was formed at least one billion years ago. Tectonic shifting and glaciers formed the rolling hills, flatlands, bare rock and steep escarpments visible in the Park today. The Eardley Escarpment marks the dividing line between the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands.

There are more than 50 lakes in Gatineau Park, including Pink Lake, one of only 58 known meromictic lakes in North America. As well as lakes, streams and rivers, the Park has several wetland areas.

Five of Gatineau Park’s ecosystems and two of its habitats have great ecological importance.

Valued ecosystems

Valued habitats

Folly Bog

Lac des Fées

These valued ecosystems and habitats are home to many of the Park’s plant and animal species at risk.

Wildlife

The Park supports a broad diversity of wildlife, including thousands of invertebrates, about 10 species of reptiles and 15 species of amphibians. There are more than 50 mammal species, including the white-tailed deer, beaver, black bear and fisher. Nearly 230 bird species have been seen in the Park.

Plants

Gatineau Park has a wealth of plant species not found anywhere else in Quebec. It is home to approximately 1,000 vascular plant species and 50 species of trees.

Species at risk

About 90 plant and 50 animal species in the Park are at risk in Quebec and/or Canada. This includes:

Scientific research

The Park’s diverse ecosystems and proximity to an urban area make it an ideal research location. The scientific reports and data from this research help Gatineau Park biologists plan the short- and long-term protection of species, habitats and ecosystems. Learn more about the research being done in Gatineau Park.